The housing market in the US continues to be difficult for both renters and potential buyers, leaving many families on desperate hunts for their new homes. Though many of us may have a certain idea about the most ideal places to raise our children, recent data suggests that the best cities in the country for families may be a lot less well-known than we thought.
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That means there are new housing markets to explore and consider moving our families to, which may open up some wonderful possibilities. When choosing where to raise your family, a lot of factors come into play, including affordability, education, diversity, and safety. It's a big decision, but with a bit of knowledge and guidance, it can be a lot easier. If you're deciding where to settle down with your family, keep reading to see which cities in the US are the best—and the worst—to raise kids in.
Best: Overland Park, Kansas
Kansas may not have been on your radar, but according to various sources, the town of Overland Park ranks as one of the top in the entire country for families. The public schools are excellent and there are lots of fun family activities available, from great restaurants to scenic hiking trails.
Best: Irvine, California
A number of cities in California are known for offering their residents a high quality of life, and Irvine is currently among the top. The population is diverse, the schools are good, and it's quite safe as well.
Best: Columbia, Maryland
Columbia, Maryland, is a relatively small city with a population of just over 100,000, that offers a highly rated public school system, close proximity to many fun destinations in the country, like Washington, DC, and the Chesapeake Bay. There's also an abundance of outdoor activities.
Best: Plano, Texas
If you live in the South or plan to, Plano, Texas, is an ideal location. The city has lots of restaurants and parks, diverse residents, and offers children a good quality public education.
Best: Naperville, Illinois
A suburb of Chicago, many young families live in Naperville, Illinois, which has a good public school system, many housing options, plenty of family-friendly activities in the area, and a diverse community.
Best: The Woodlands, Texas
Close to Houston, The Woodlands, Texas, has a low crime rate, mostly pleasant weather, very good schools, and plenty of diversions for families to enjoy. Plus, the cost of living is quite affordable.
Best: Arlington, Virginia
Homes are expensive in Arlington, Virginia, but you get what you pay for. With Washington, DC, so close by, median income is nearly double the national average. The school system is great, residents are diverse, and the area offers access to both lovely outdoor spaces and activities, as well as more urban diversions.
Best: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Home of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a lovely and diverse college town that offers residents an affordable cost of living, excellent public schools, and tons of activities including sporting events, boutique shopping, and lots of dining options.
Best: Cambridge, Massachusetts
An absolutely beautiful town steeped in history but still thoroughly modern, Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the home of Harvard University. It's can be a pricey place to live, but it offers a ton of career opportunities, excellent public schools, and a host of diversions, including museums and historical sights.
Best: Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue's location is one of its biggest draws. Only about a 20-minute commute to Seattle, it's also a short distance to nearby wineries and snow activities in the winter. Plus, the public transportation system is quite good.
Worst: Detroit, Michigan
In many ways, Detroit is a very cool city. It's just evidently not the best place for young families. The schools are rated quite low and the crime rate is on the high side. That said, it's quite affordable.
Worst: Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland isn't necessarily a bad city to live in, it's just may not be the best for families with young children. It comes in below average when it comes to the public schools, housing availability, and for safety.
Worst: Memphis, Tennessee
There's a reason you don't hear about too many people taking their kids to Memphis on vacation. It's a decidedly grown-up place. While the public schools are decent, there are issues with crime, the unemployment rate, and the availability of suitable housing for families.
Worst: Birmingham, Alabama
The biggest problem for families in Birmingham, is by far, the schools. When you have young kids, education is important, and to add to that, it's not a particularly safe city either.
Worst: San Bernardino, California
Most San Bernardino residents are renters, which means that pickings are slim if you're looking to buy a home there. The crime rate and availability of jobs are also potential issues, and the cost of living can be high.
Worst: Newark, New Jersey
Newark, New Jersey, undoubtedly benefits from its close proximity to New York City. It's a quick train ride away, but it's very urban. The poverty level is high, schools aren't great, and housing options are far from ideal.
Worst: Fayetteville, North Carolina
North Carolina is growing in popularity as a state, but the city of Fayetteville is one you might want to steer clear of if your raising kids. It's fairly diverse thanks to the nearby military community, but job opportunities are limited and safety can be an issue in some areas.
Worst: Shreveport, Louisiana
While the schools in Shreveport, Louisiana aren't terrible, there aren't very many family-friendly amenities and activities in the area, housing options and job opportunities for the grown ups are limited, and it's not the safest
Worst: Jackson, Mississippi
The state capital of Mississippi leaves a lot to be desired for families. Schools are ranked low, unemployment and crime can be problematic, and housing options are lacking. It is quite an affordable place to live though.
Worst: Baltimore, Maryland
Outside of the touristy Inner Harbor area, Baltimore is a relatively gritty city. The public schools are lacking, housing and safety can present issues for families, and there just aren't that many job opportunities.
